Criterion Now in Charge of All Need for Speed Games

Criterion is now the developer when it comes to EA’s Need for Speed franchise.

In an interview with Criterion’s Alex Ward, he revealed that the studio will now be in charge of the entire franchise — yes, that means the spin-offs, too!

Ward states, “Maybe it’s been that way in the past, but that’s changed this year with what we’re doing… Our stamp’s going to be in everything you see in Need for Speed and Burnout going forward in the future. It’s not going to be spread anymore across different companies. Different studios have had a crack at it – it’s definitely a Criterion gig now.”

However, the studio didn’t exactly state if Criterion will be developing all games in the franchise or will just oversee it.

Ward also added, “Going forward now, with Most Wanted and what we’ll do in the future [will have], shall we say, a strong Criterion involvement.” He also explains that “I’m personally involved in how the cars drive, how the game will play out, how connected they are, and what the features are.”

The next game in the franchise is Need for Speed: Most Wanted and is set for an October 30 release for the PC, Xbox 360, PS3.